The tight-knit community of Bardstown is reeling after one of its protectors was killed early Saturday.

"It is just terrible. A man out making a living, doing his job and to get shot like that is just terrible," said Margaret Mudd.

"Anytime an officer is shot down, it is a tragedy because they are out there putting their lives on the line everyday for us, to protect us. And then (for) somebody does something like this is unspeakable," said Charles Richards.

"It is really carazy because nothing like that happens here," said resident Marie Blevins

At least 48 police vehicles traveled in from Nelson County, shutting down several roadways as the motorcade took the body of 33-year-old Jason Ellis to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Louisville.

Investigators said it appeared that Ellis was heading home after a shift when he pulled over along the Bluegrass Parkway and was shot.

Ellis, originally from Cincinnati, is a seven-year veteran of the Bardstown Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

He is the first officer killed in the line of duty in the history of the Bardstown Police Department.

"We lost an officer, a family lost a son (and) a dad, and Bardstown lost a member of the community," Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbin said.

Police were still searching for the shooter.

Authorities were offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact police.

Several Bardstown residents said they were reeling after Ellis' death.

"It is just terrible. A man out making a living, doing his job and to get shot like that is just terrible," said Margaret Mudd.

"Anytime an officer is shot down, it is a tragedy because they are out there putting their lives on the line everyday for us, to protect us. And then (for) somebody does something like this is unspeakable," said Charles Richards.

"It is really crazy because nothing like that happens here," said resident Marie Blevins

"I think everybody is just in shock. We all feel terrible for the family, for officers he worked with. It is a tragedy," said Jessica Brothers.

With authorities still searching for a suspect in Ellis' death, Bardstown residents are pulling together to help, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

"As citizens, it is our duty to step up, let people know and get in touch with anybody that could have just a little small (bit) of information that might lead to him being arrested," said Richards.